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Elmer John Beidler, known as John, passed away December 13, 2022, in Vero Beach. He was born in Orlando on January 17, 1927, to Agnes Grace (Holt) and Elmer John Beidler, Sr.
He left Orlando High School during his senior year to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served as a hospital corpsman in the Bethesda Naval Hospital. He attended the University of Florida and earned a degree in entomology in 1950.
In 1955, he moved to Vero Beach to become the director of the Indian River Mosquito Control District, where he served the residents of the county for 48 years, focused on finding effective mosquito control methods while respecting environmental and economic concerns. A past president of the Florida Mosquito Control Association, he received that association’s Maurice W. Provost Memorial Award and the Meritorious Service Award, as well as the Medal of Honor and Meritorious Service Award from the American Mosquito Control Association. In 2003, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Florida. Throughout his career, John always welcomed new ideas and enjoyed sharing knowledge and camaraderie within the entomological community. He was a friend and mentor to several generations of mosquito control workers.
A few of his activities in the local community included service as a director of the Indian River County Library, membership in the Rotary Club, donating gallons to the local blood bank, and unwavering support of the VBHS football team. An avid photographer with an eye for beauty, he was rarely without his camera and found photo opportunities wherever he went, creating an extensive portfolio primarily of the natural world. His other great love was music, and his collection of LPs and CDs ran from classical to calypso, opera to jazz, and J.S. Bach to Dire Straits.
He will be remembered for his kindness, keen intelligence, quiet generosity, and devotion to his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Iris, and is survived by his children Barbara Kendrick (Tom), Melissa Beidler, Susan Beidler, Amy Gramling (Hugh), and Grant Beidler (Renee), and grandchildren John Mistry and Cierra Iris Beidler.
Anyone wishing to remember John is welcome to donate to the charity of their choice or the John and Iris Beidler Scholarship Fund (#20932), University of Florida Foundation, PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Marsh Voyles - Old friend
December 17, 2022, 1:46 pm
Susan, so very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. What a memorable footprint he leaves on our community. I remember him fondly as a friend of my parents and am glad to have known him as well through our long ago friendship. Please accept my condolences for your loss. An old friend, Marshall Voyles
Suzy Reiser - Friend
December 18, 2022, 9:59 pm
Dear Barbara, Melissa, Susan, Amy and Grant, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Father. He was such a great man . He lived a long life and was such a valuable mentor and friend to so many. I have fond memories of sitting in your living room in a rocking chair and listening to Beethoven or other great masters. If I can do anything for you here in Vero Beach please don’t hesitate to contact me. Tommy or Beverly can find me . Sincerely, Suzy Reiser
Stanton Cope - Colleague
December 19, 2022, 5:13 pm
My sincere condolences on the passing of a giant. John was a pioneer and visionary in public health and mosquito control. I did not know him well but he was always kind, interested, and a gentleman. With sincere best wishes to the family and all those whose lives he touched.
Fred Damerow - Friend
December 21, 2022, 6:39 pm
Barbara, Melissa, Susan, Amy and Grant, I’m sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was such a great part of Vero’s history. I really enjoyed time with him. I think I last saw him at my Mom’s funeral. Since he and Dad were good friends that might have helped get me summer jobs at the the district. Even though we knew you all, those were the “In” for me to get to know him and learn from him. I have many good memories of him from mosquito district operations to stereos to photography and the dark room. It was great the way he included some of us, essentially kids, in the inner workings of the district and even included us on field trips to the surplus depots looking for parts as he added to the district technology base.
Tom Bridges - Friend and mentor
January 16, 2023, 2:16 am
I was very sad to learn today about your father’s passing. I thought more of John Beidler as my friend and mentor. He gave me my 1st job as an entomologist with the District after graduating from UF in 1965. I was encouraged to learn about all aspects of mosquito control and he was great teacher. We shared our connection with UF and he often came over to watch the Gators football games with Sue and me. We enjoyed having his older girls babysit for our girls. We lost contact when my job required a move to North Carolina. I will never forget what a fine person he was and all the encouragement I was given as I began and continued as an entomologist.
Chet Smith - Once engaged to his oldest daughter, Barbara
January 14, 2024, 9:35 pm
My sincere condolences